PNC Bank Arts Center out of control
In case you missed it, we had a story in today's paper about Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, R-Monmouth, asking the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission to revoke the PNC Bank Arts Center's liquor license. Handlin was responding to a series of incidents at Friday's Gwen Stefani concert that resulted in the hospitalization of several underage drinkers.
Underage drinking and excessive drinking by those old enough to drink legally have long been a problem there. Much of the problem could be resolved by banning tailgating and the consumption of alcohol on the grounds outside the venue itself, where concertgoers get primed long before the show ever starts. It's a recipe for disaster.
N.J. Turnpike Authority Executive Director Michael Lappola should waste no time insisting that venue operator Live Nation ban tailgating, beef up security and take other necessary steps to curb underage, and excessive, drinking.
Underage drinking and excessive drinking by those old enough to drink legally have long been a problem there. Much of the problem could be resolved by banning tailgating and the consumption of alcohol on the grounds outside the venue itself, where concertgoers get primed long before the show ever starts. It's a recipe for disaster.
N.J. Turnpike Authority Executive Director Michael Lappola should waste no time insisting that venue operator Live Nation ban tailgating, beef up security and take other necessary steps to curb underage, and excessive, drinking.
posted by Randy Bergmann at 1:47 PM
3 Comments:
I went to the PNC Arts Center when it was the Garden State Arts Center. I saw such acts as Liberace, Captain and Tenille, Pat and Debbie Boone, as a child. My elementary school would have trips there for children's shows like Alice in Wonderland, and 1776.
Later I saw some rock acts. (Moody Blues, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Def Leppard). Everything was on an even keel, and not anything like what was experienced at the Gwen Stefani show, though the Def Leppard concert had lots of alcoholics there, in my opinion).
I don't understand the need for tailgating at a music venue. How 11 year olds are served is beyond me. Does everyone need to be carded before they step through the gates, and wristband be put on the 21 and over crowd?
Sounds to me like alcohol needs to be eliminated there. Does PNC think they can't make enough money if liquor isn't served?
The PNC Arts Center has many different activities there worthy of note, and it would be a shame for it only to be though of as a place where preteens get hammered and end up in the hospital.
Margaret
Assemblywoman Handlin and the above poster are missing the forest for the trees. Do either of them really think the revocation of PNC's license to sell liquor INSIDE the grounds is going to prevent all the tweeners from getting sloshed OUTSIDE in the parking lot? That's where the majority of the drinking is getting done. And why not? Underage or not, why would anyone pay $7 for a dixie cup of Budweiser with a two inch head of foam when you can bring in a six pack of Magic Hat for the same amount? Plainclothes cops walking the parking lot is what will cut down the drinking, not the banning of overpriced suds. ;)
Will you ban tailgaiting at Giant stadium for Jets & Giants games?
Same deal Mr Bergman. Whats next?
Since the majority of auto accident injuries and deaths occur to drivers between 17 & 20 should we not allow anyone to drive until they are older? Get real!
The underage drinking at the PNC is the direct result of bad parenting. Kids are dropped of by Mommy & Daddy ( some of whom have no tickets to that particular event) and party in the parking lot. These parents are responsible for their little darlings actions and should be held accountable, not the majority of law abiding legal aged citizens that are enjoying a few drinks while tailgateing before a concert. Live Nation only sells alcohol to those over 21 inside the venue. You and the clueless Ms Handlin would rather make new laws and regs than deal with the issues.
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